Central nervous system demyelinating diseases

Myelin is a structure that surrounds nerve axons, providing nutrition, support, protection, and assisting in nerve conduction. It is widely present in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Central nervous system demyelinating diseases refer to a series of diseases in which the myelin structure in the brain and spinal cord is destroyed due to various factors, forming demyelinating pathological changes, which in turn cause various symptoms and signs of central nervous system dysfunction. Central nervous system demyelinating diseases mainly include: Multiple Sclerosis (MS): The most common demyelinating disease. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Women are more susceptible to this disease. Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Most common in children, it is an acute-onset demyelinating disease with widespread inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It can sometimes also affect the optic nerves (which can make the eyes controlled by the brain). Transverse Myelitis: A spinal cord disease that can cause systemic symptoms. The symptoms mainly depend on the spinal cord segments where myelin is missing. It mainly affects children and adults, with women being more common than men. Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Demyelinating lesions affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. It is more common in young and middle-aged women. Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type I-associated Myelopathy: A disease caused by Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I). It is more common in people living near the equator. Balo's Disease (Concentric Sclerosis): Some doctors consider Balo's disease a rare form of multiple sclerosis. It is more common in Asians and Filipinos, with a higher incidence in adults than in children. Schilder's Disease: A rare disease characterized by the gradual disappearance of myelin in the brain and spinal cord. It is more common in boys aged 7 to 12. Most diseases in this group primarily affect young and middle-aged adults, with a higher prevalence in women. However, MOGAD and ADEM have a higher incidence in children, and the gender difference is not significant.